Investigating the Thermal Conductivity of Polymers

Polymers consist of a string of similar sub-units combined to create a greater whole. Polymers can have a range of characteristics, including anisotropy: the act of being directionally dependent. Anisotropic polymers, such as Torlon, challenge thermal conductivity of polymers testing, as the direction of heat transfer may occur on multiple planes.

How to measure the thermal conductivity of polymers

In a single test, our Hot Disk TPS sensors can be used to measure materials that are currently known as anisotropic materials, or are waiting to be classified. When referring to improving infrastructure, polymers are key. As concrete, metals, and plastics deteriorate in the ever-changing North American climate, various test for thermal conductivity of polymers, as well as physical sustainability testing for future use in our buildings and power supplies.

Albert Bell

Solex Thermal

“The Hot Disk TPS is able to accurately and reliably determine the thermal properties of a number of bulk solid materials with a broad range of thermal and physical characteristics. The flexibility, ease of use, and consistency provided by the Hot Disk make it an essential part of the success of our laboratory. Having previously employed other testing methods, we now use the Hot Disk exclusively and strongly recommend it to any laboratory engaged in the analysis of material thermal properties.”